Formed in 2002, Duo Transatlantique combines the prize-winning talents of guitarists Benjamin Beirs and Maud Laforest. Soon after beginning their studies at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, the two decided to form a guitar duo, under the guidance of Julian Gray, an acclaimed chamber musician and founder of the Gray-Pearl guitar duo. In 2005, Ben embarked on his first journey to France, where the duo won first prize in the Union Française des Artistes Musiciens Guitar Duo Competition and played a concert in the American Cathedral in Paris. Since then, they have continued touring annually. Currently, Ms. Laforest lives in Reims, France, while Mr. Beirs has stayed in Baltimore.

Their newly-released second album is entitled “From Moment to Moment.” It features arrangements of the French film score “Amelie” by Yann Tiersen and includes music by Penicaud, Joplin, Bellinati, Scarlatti, L'Hoyer, and Franck. The French magazine Guitare Classique writes, “The sonority is rich and one of the most flattering we’ve ever heard...don't hesitate to buy this CD!” Classical Music Sentinel says, “The versatility in their playing is reflected in the variety and different styles of pieces...by versatility, I mean the flexible, expressive approach and playing techniques they bring to every different piece, from the Baroque clarity of the Scarlatti, to the simple fun of the Joplin, and the melancholy of the Tiersen...performed here in a superb arrangement.” Their debut album, entitled "Le Gris et le Vert" (The Grey and the Green) includes music of Debussy, Scarlatti, Petit, Albeniz, and Villoldo. Visit http://www.duotransatlantique.com for more information.